Retrofit-style lamp and fixture, each including a one-dimensional linear batwing lens

ABSTRACT

A retrofit-style lamp is disclosed. The retrofit-style lamp includes a plurality of light sources, and a one-dimensional linear batwing lens. The one-dimensional linear batwing lens beam shapes light emitted by at least two light sources of the plurality of light sources. The retrofit-style lamp also includes a housing including the plurality of light sources, and attached to the one-dimensional linear batwing lens. The combination of housing and lens is then itself fitted with endcaps, including electrical connectors, for placement within a fixture, such as within an existing conventional fluorescent tube fixture located within a storage structure, for example a refrigeration case. Alternatively, the plurality of light sources, the one-dimensional linear batwing lens, and the housing may be formed, along with a power supply, as a standalone retrofit fixture for use in enclosed storage structures, such as refrigeration cases, where the retrofit fixture replaces a conventional fluorescent fixture.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/770,297, entitled “RETROFIT-STYLE LAMP AND FIXTURE, EACHINCLUDING A ONE-DIMENSIONAL LINEAR BATWING LENS” and filed Feb. 19,2013, now U.S. Pat. No. ______, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/636,524, entitled “RETROFIT-STYLE LAMP ANDFIXTURE, EACH INCLUDING A ONE-DIMENSIONAL LINEAR BATWING LENS”, filedDec. 11, 2009, from both of which priority is claimed, and the entirecontents of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to lamps, and more specifically, toretrofit-style lamps incorporating a lens.

BACKGROUND

Enclosed storage structures, such as refrigeration cases, have long hadlight sources and light fixtures disposed within to provide light toanyone accessing an item or items stored within the structure.Typically, such a fixture uses one or more fluorescent bulbs, usually inthe shape of a tube, to disperse light within the enclosed space definedby the storage structure. Such fixtures may be located along the frontcorners of a vertically-elongated storage structure, such as on eitherside of a door that opens to the left or right, or may be located alonga top corner or a front edge, when the storage structure ishorizontally-elongated. When a fluorescent tube breaks or otherwiseceases to function for any reason, the non-functioning tube is removed,and a new one is put into the fixture.

While fluorescent tubes are reasonably low in cost, and maintenance offixtures including fluorescent tubes is reasonably easy and also lowcost, a typical fluorescent-based bulb is not as energy-efficient or aslong-lasting as a typical light emitting diode (LED) light source. Thus,lamps and fixtures that employ LEDs instead of fluorescent tubes arebecoming increasingly popular.

SUMMARY

Conventional techniques for providing light within an enclosed storagestructure, such as a refrigeration case, using an LED-based light sourcesuffer from a variety of faults. A conventional LED-based fixturetypically requires a 1:1 ratio between the LED sources and the opticsused, and thus the optics is typically injection molded. That is, eachLED chip has its own optic (i.e., lens). This is due, in part, toattempting to compensate for the less-than uniform distribution of lighta conventional LED-based fixture provides, compared to a conventionalfluorescent-based fixture. For a typical fixture measuring four feet inlength, there may be ten or twelve lenses present. In someconfigurations, should a lens break or otherwise need to be replaced, itis not possible to simply replace the single lens, but rather the entirefixture must be replaced. The same is true for the LED chips in someconfigurations (i.e., if one chip breaks or otherwise needs to bereplaced, the entire fixture must be replaced, not just the one chip, oran array of chips). This makes a conventional LED-based light sourcemore expensive to maintain over time than conventional fluorescent lightsources, despite the cost savings of using more energy efficient LEDs inplace of conventional fluorescent light sources.

Further, the 1:1 ratio between the LEDs/LED chips and the optics meansthat a retrofit-style option replacement of a conventional light sourceis impossible. (A retrofit-style option is one where a conventionallight source in an existing fixture is replaced by an LED-based lightsource and appropriate changes are further made to the ballast and/orthe power supply of the existing fixture, so as to allow the fixture toproperly power and operate the LEDs. Thus, a retrofit-style replacementmay result in the replacement of not only the light source, but also theexisting ballast and/or power supply of the existing fixture. Incontrast, a true retrofit option would replace the conventional lightsource in an existing fixture with an LED-based light source, but wouldnot require any changes to the already-existing ballast and/or powersupply.) That is, the 1:1 ratio makes it impossible to add an LED-basedlight source and its related optics to an already-existing fixture,where they would replace the conventional fluorescent tube (leavingaside the issue of whether the current ballast and/or power supply usedby the already-existing fixture would be capable of supporting theLEDs). The entire fixture must be removed and replaced, adding toinstallation costs in comparison to a retrofit-style solution. Further,conventional LED-based fixtures for refrigeration cases and similarstructures are typically larger and bulkier in terms of space occupiedthan conventional fluorescent fixtures for the same structures. In somestructures, the conventional LED-based fixture will not fit into thestructure properly. In other structures, even if the conventionalLED-based fixture does fit, it takes up more space than a conventionalfluorescent fixture, leaving less space for products within the case orstructure.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a retrofit-style solutionfor use with fixtures already located within enclosed storagestructures, such as but not limited to refrigeration cases and othersimilar structures. The retrofit-style solution lamp described hereinmay use LED-based light sources, making it more energy-efficient andhaving a longer life than conventional light sources, such asconventional fluorescent tube lamps, and has its own incorporated opticthat produces a dispersion of light that better illuminates an enclosedstorage structure, such as a refrigeration case. When configured as aretrofit-style lamp, the solution replaces a conventional fluorescenttube lamp, providing the energy-efficiency and long life benefits ofLED-based light sources. When configured as a fixture, the solutionreplaces existing conventional fluorescent fixtures as well as existingconventional LED-based fixtures with a fixture that provides energyefficiency, longer life, and a better dispersion of light, as well asbeing easier and less expensive to maintain and repair.

In an embodiment, there is provided a retrofit-style lamp. Theretrofit-style lamp includes a plurality of light sources and aone-dimensional linear batwing lens. The one-dimensional linear batwinglens beam shapes light emitted by at least two light sources of theplurality of light sources.

In a related embodiment, the at least two light sources of the pluralityof light sources may be located in a region beneath a central portion ofthe one-dimensional linear batwing lens. In another related embodiment,the plurality of light sources may include a plurality of light-emittingdiodes. In still another related embodiment, the one-dimensional linearbatwing lens may be scalable in relation to a number of light sourcescomprising the plurality of light sources.

In yet another related embodiment, the one-dimensional linear batwinglens may be extrudable. In a further related embodiment, the extrudableone-dimensional linear batwing lens may be co-extrudable. In a furtherrelated embodiment, the co-extrudable one-dimensional linear batwinglens may be comprised of a first portion and a second portion, whereinthe first portion may be comprised of a first material, and wherein thesecond portion may be comprised of a second material. In another furtherrelated embodiment, the co-extrudable one-dimensional linear batwinglens may be comprised of a first portion and a second portion, whereinthe first portion and the second portion may be comprised of a material,and wherein the first portion may include a first filter and the secondportion may include a second filter.

In yet still another related embodiment, the one-dimensional linearbatwing lens may include an upper portion and a lower portion, whereinthe upper portion may be located farther from the plurality of lightsources than the lower portion, and wherein the upper portion may bedivided into a first non-planar section and a second non-planar section.In a further related embodiment, the first non-planar section and thesecond non-planar section may be similarly shaped. In another furtherrelated embodiment, the first non-planar section and the secondnon-planar section may be of different shapes.

In still another related embodiment, the one-dimensional linear batwinglens may include an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upperportion may be located farther from the plurality of light sources thanthe lower portion, and wherein the upper portion may include a dip. In afurther related embodiment, the dip may be characterized by an angle.

In yet another related embodiment, the retrofit-style lamp may furtherinclude a housing, wherein the plurality of light sources is arrangedwithin a space defined in part by the housing. In a further relatedembodiment, the one-dimensional linear batwing lens may be coupled tothe housing. In another further related embodiment, the retrofit-stylelamp may further include a pair of electrical connectors, wherein afirst of the pair of electrical connectors may be attached to a firstend of the housing, and wherein a second of the pair of electricalconnectors may be attached to a second end of the housing. In a furtherrelated embodiment, the one-dimensional linear batwing lens may becoupled to the housing, forming a lens-housing combination, and the pairof electrical connectors may be attached to the lens-housingcombination. In a further related embodiment, the retrofit-style lampmay further include an endcap, wherein the endcap is connectable betweenone of the pair of electrical connectors and the lens-housingcombination.

In another embodiment, there is provided an enclosed storage structurelighting fixture. The enclosed storage structure light fixture includesa housing; a power supply, wherein the power supply is connectable tothe housing; a plurality of light sources located in a region defined bythe housing, wherein the plurality of light sources receive power fromthe power supply; and a one-dimensional linear batwing lens, coupled tothe housing, wherein the one-dimensional linear batwing lens beam shapeslight emitted by at least two light sources of the plurality of lightsources. In a related embodiment, the one-dimensional linear batwinglens may provide a substantially uniform distribution of light within aspace defined in part by an enclosed storage structure, by beam shapinglight emitted by the plurality of light sources.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages disclosedherein will be apparent from the following description of particularembodiments disclosed herein, as illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings in which like reference characters refer to the same partsthroughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily toscale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principlesdisclosed herein.

FIG. 1 shows a retrofit-style lamp including a one-dimensional linearbatwing lens according to embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional cross-view of a housing includingattached light sources and an attached one-dimensional linear batwingleans.

FIG. 3 shows a profile view of an open-ended light fixture having ahousing including attached light sources and an attached one-dimensionallinear batwing lens, wherein the light sources are not powered and theinterior of the housing is visible though the lens.

FIG. 4 shows a profile view of a section of a light fixture having ahousing including attached light sources and an attached one-dimensionallinear batwing lens, wherein the light sources are powered and theinterior of the housing is not visible though the lens.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein show a novel retrofit-style lamp suitablefor use in storage units such as refrigeration cases. The retrofit-stylelamp incorporates its own lens instead of relying on a lens attached tothe fixture in which the lamp is placed. The lens is a one-dimensionallinear batwing lens, which produces a batwing type of beam pattern bybeam shaping light from a plurality of light sources, which may includeLED-based light sources. The lens is extruded and is able to be usedwith any number of light sources. The lamp also includes a housing towhich the light sources and the lens are attached, with endcapsincluding electrical pin connectors affixed to each end of the housing.The endcaps, through the electrical pin connectors, allow the lightsources to receive power and produce light, which the incorporatedone-dimensional linear batwing lens spreads in a substantially uniformpattern through the storage unit. Thus, the endcaps allow the lamp to beplaced in any type of fixture that accepts fluorescent lamp tubes. Theretrofit-style lamp may also be modified by removing the endcaps andadding covers with appropriate electrical connectors so as to be used asa fixture, directly attached to a storage unit in replacement of aconventional fluorescent lamp fixture.

FIG. 1 shows a retrofit-style lamp 100 (including and corresponding to across-sectional view 200 in FIG. 2 and a profile sectional view 300 inFIG. 3) including a plurality of light sources 102, a one-dimensionallinear batwing lens 104, a housing 106, a pair of endcaps 108 and 110,and a pair of electrical connectors 112 and 114. Thus, theone-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 is incorporated into theretrofit-style lamp 100, such that the fixture (not shown) into whichthe retrofit-style lamp 100 is placed does not need to have an optic oroptics (i.e., lens/lenses) of its own. The retrofit-style lamp 100 issuitable for placement in any type of fixture, such as but not limitedto a conventional fluorescent tube lamp fixture (not shown). Theone-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 is coupled to the housing 106,as seen most easily in FIG. 2, to form an outer body of theretrofit-style lamp 100. The one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 maybe coupled to the housing 106 in any known way. For example, in someembodiments, the one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 and the housing106 are each shaped so as to form as interlocking connection. An exampleof such an interlocking connection is shown in FIG. 2, where theone-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 and the housing 106 each includea tab 220 _(N) attached to a post 222 _(N), such that the tabs 220 ₃ and220 ₄ on the one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 may be slid intothe two cavities created by the tabs 220 ₁ and 220 ₂ and the posts 222 ₁and 222 ₂ of the housing 106, keeping the one-dimensional linear batwinglens 104 and the housing 106 connected. Note that the tabs 220 _(N) andthe posts 222 _(N), in some embodiments, are created from the samematerial as the housing 106 and/or the one-dimensional linear batwinglens 104 and are a solid part of the housing 106 and/or theone-dimensional linear batwing lens 104, such that the tabs 220 _(N) andthe posts 222 _(N) are created when the housing 106 and/or theone-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 is created (i.e., shaped).Alternatively, in some embodiments, the tabs 220 _(N) and the posts 222_(N) are separate from the housing 106 and/or the one-dimensional linearbatwing lens 104 and must be connected or otherwise attached thereto(e.g., by use of an epoxy or other adhesive material, or through use ofa mechanical connection). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the posts222 _(N) are a solid part of the housing 106 and/or the one-dimensionallinear batwing lens 104, as described above, and the tabs 220 _(N) areseparate and must be connected or otherwise attached to thecorresponding posts 222 _(N) (e.g., by use of an epoxy or other adhesivematerial, or through use of a mechanical connection). Further, in someembodiments, the connection of the housing 106 and the one-dimensionallinear batwing lens 104 is outside of the active optical field of theone-dimensional linear batwing lens 104, so that the housing 106 retainsand supports the one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 withoutdisturbing the beam pattern created by the beam shaping of theone-dimensional linear batwing lens 104, acting on light from theplurality of light sources 102. Thus, it is possible to exchange adifferent lens (including a different one-dimensional linear batwinglens) for the one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 that is originallypart of the retrofit-style lamp 100, should (for example) the originalone-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 break or otherwise need to bereplaced, or should a different optic be necessary and/or desired forthe retrofit-style lamp 100.

The housing 106 may be made of any material that serves a thermalmanagement function. Thus, in some embodiments, the housing 106 servesas a heat sink for any heat created by the retrofit-style lamp 100and/or any of its components, such as heat created by, for example, theplurality of light sources 102). The housing 106 is also extrudable(i.e., may be formed having a desired cross-section by being forcedthrough a die). In some embodiments, the housing 106 is made ofaluminum. In other embodiments, the housing 106 may be made of, forexample but not limited to, sheet metal, a plastic material, and thelike. The housing 106 may be of any shape that allows the retrofit-stylelamp 100 to fit into a lighting fixture. The housing 106, as describedabove, must be able to be connected to the one-dimensional linearbatwing lens 104, using, for example, any of the connection mechanismsdescribed above. In some embodiments, the housing 106 has a low profile,which allows the retrofit-style lamp 100 to be placed into, for example,conventional fluorescent tube fixtures. In some embodiments, upper walls240 of the housing 106 (seen most easily in FIG. 2) provide a precisemechanical cutoff at edges 242 of the housing 106 to eliminate reverseglare from the plurality of light sources 102.

The pair of electrical connectors 112 and 114 are located, respectively,on either end of the retrofit-style lamp 100. The first of the pair ofelectrical connectors 112 is attached to a first end 182 of the housing106, and the second of the pair of electrical connectors 114 is attachedto a second end 184 of the retrofit-style lamp 100. The pair ofelectrical connectors 112 and 114 may be any known type of electricalconnector, such as but not limited to a pair of two-pin connector as istypically used on conventional fluorescent lamp tubes. The pair ofelectrical connectors 112 and 114 provide the retrofit-style lamp 100with power received from the fixture (not shown) into which theretrofit-style lamp 100 is placed. The power received by the pair ofelectrical connectors 112 and 114 is sent to the plurality of lightsources 102 through any power-conducting material, such as but notlimited to wire, or pin connectors located on a printed circuit board(PCB) that includes any number of the plurality of light sources 102.The pair of electrical connectors 112 and 114, in some embodiments, areconnected to the joined one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 andhousing 106 (which may be considered to be a lens-housing combination).In some embodiments, the pair of electrical connectors 112 and 114 aredirectly connected to the lens-housing combination. Alternatively, as isshown in FIG. 1, the pair of endcaps 108 and 110 is interposed betweenthe lens-housing combination and the pair of electrical connectors 112and 114. That is, either of the pair of endcaps 108 and 110 isconnectable between one of the pair of electrical connectors 112 and114, and the lens-housing combination. For example, as shown in FIG. 1,a first of the pair of endcaps 108 is connected between the first of thepair of electrical connectors 112 and the interconnected one-dimensionallinear batwing lens 104 and the housing 106, and the second of the pairof endcaps 110 is connected between the second of the pair of electricalconnectors 114 and the interconnected one-dimensional linear batwinglens 104 and the housing 106. Thus, any electrical connection betweeneither or both of the pair of electrical connectors 112 and 114 and theplurality of light sources 102 must be maintained (i.e., notinterrupted, severed, or otherwise blocked by) the pair of endcaps 108and 110. In some embodiments, the pair of endcaps 108 and 110, with theexception of an electrical connection to the pair of electricalconnectors 112 and 114, seal off the interior of the interconnectedone-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 and the housing 106 (i.e., thelens-housing combination). The pair of endcaps 108 and 110 may be madeof any material that is able to withstand any heat generated by theretrofit-style lamp 100 without becoming deformed, and without either ofthe pair of endcaps 108 and 110 becoming disengaged or otherwisedisconnected from the other components of the retrofit-style lamp 100.In some embodiments, an endcap and an electrical connector may be asingle component, while alternatively, in other embodiments, an endcapand an electrical connector may be discrete components that must beconnected in some manner. Both the pair of endcaps 108 and 110 and thepair of electrical connectors 112 and 114 may be joined to othercomponents of the retrofit-style lamp 100 using any available connectionmechanisms and/or materials (for example, but not limited to, mechanicalconnections, adhesive-based connections, combinations thereof, and soon). In some embodiments, one or both of the pair of endcaps 108 and 110may be shaped or otherwise formed so that, when the retrofit-style lamp100 is placed into a fixture, proper engagement of the retrofit-stylelamp 100 with the fixture results in the endcap/endcaps “locking” theretrofit-style lamp 100 into place, or otherwise indicating that theretrofit-style lamp 100 has been properly installed into the fixture. Insome embodiments, this functionality is found on one or both of the pairof electrical connectors 112 and 114. Alternatively, in some embodimentswhere the pair of endcaps 108 and 110 and the pair of electricalconnectors 112 and 114 are formed into a pair of single pieces (i.e., anendcap-electrical connector combination), the “locking” and/or indicatorfunctionality described above is found in one or both of theendcap-electrical connector combinations.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the plurality of light sources 102 is arrangedwithin a space 150 defined in part by the housing 106. The space 150 mayalso be defined in part by the one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104,as well as, or alternatively by, the connection mechanism between thehousing 106 and the one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104. Theplurality of light sources 102 may be any type of light source capableof producing light that may be beam shaped by the one-dimensional linearbatwing lens 104. In some embodiments, the plurality of light sources102 are a plurality of light-emitting diode(LED)-based light sources,such as but not limited to a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs),a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), combinationsthereof, and the like. In some embodiments, the retrofit-style lamp 100uses Golden Dragon® LEDs made by OSRAM Opto Semiconductors ofRegensburg, Germany, and Sunnyvale, Calif., USA. A single LED 102 ₁ isshown in FIG. 2. The plurality of LED-based light sources may bearranged, as is well-known in the art, on one or more printed circuitboards (PCBs) that extend from one part of the retrofit-style lamp 100to another. Where two or more PCBs are used in the retrofit-style lamp100, the PCBs are electrically connected to each other to allow all ofthe LED-based light sources on all the PCBs to be powered from the samesource (e.g., the fixture into which the retrofit-style lamp 100 isattached). Any PCBs used are sized to fit within the retrofit-style lamp100, which in some embodiments is approximately 1.5 inches wide at itswidest point. The one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 beam shapeslight emitted by at least two light sources of the plurality of lightsources. The dispersion of light created (i.e., beam shaped) by theone-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 is a batwing dispersion,regardless of the number of the light sources, or type of light sources,used. Thus, it possible to use any number of light sources, includingany number of LEDs, with the one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104;for example, see FIG. 3. The one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104therefore may be said to be scalable, such that no change is required tothe lens to produce a batwing dispersion even if the number of lightsources used in the retrofit-style lamp 100 changes.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 2, which is a cross-section of theretrofit-style lamp 100 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3, which is a profileview of a section of the retrofit-style lamp 100 shown in FIG. 1, theplurality of light sources 102 are located in a region 202 beneath acentral portion 204 of the one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104.Referring just to FIG. 2 now, in some embodiments, the distance betweenthe top of a light source 102 ₁ (e.g., a single LED or a chip of LEDs)located in the region 202, measured from the center 206 of the lightsource 102 ₁, and the bottom edge of the one-dimensional linear batwinglens 104 (i.e., the part of the one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104that is facing towards the plurality of light sources), measured fromthe center 208 of a bottom edge 290 of the one-dimensional linearbatwing lens 104, is 3.2 millimeters.

As used throughout, the term retrofit-style lamp is one where aconventional light source in an existing fixture is replaced by anLED-based light source and appropriate changes may be further requiredto at least one of the ballast and/or the power supply of the existingfixture, so as to allow the fixture to properly power and operate theLEDs. Thus, a retrofit-style lamp replaces the conventional lightsource, and in some embodiments, may require the existing ballast and/orpower supply of the existing fixture to also be replaced. In contrast, aretrofit lamp would replace the conventional light source in an existingfixture with an LED-based light source, but would not require anychanges to the already-existing ballast and/or power supply of theconventional fixture.

A one-dimensional linear batwing lens, such as the one-dimensionallinear batwing lens 104 shown in FIGS. 1-3, will now be described inmore detail. A one-dimensional linear batwing lens is a batwing stylelens that is extended in one dimension in a linear direction so as to beused with more than a single light source and to produce, through beamshaping, a substantially batwing and/or batwing-type distribution fromhow many ever light sources are used. The distribution produced by aone-dimensional linear batwing lens is a substantially batwingdistribution that is substantially uniform within a defined space, suchas but not limited to the interior of a refrigeration case (notaccounting for the reflective and/or blocking effects of anythingcontained within the defined space). The substantial uniformity of thedistribution is such that the light, as beam shaped by theone-dimensional linear batwing lens, fills up a defined space. Theone-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 is extrudable, which results inless expensive tooling costs when the lens is formed. Theone-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 may be made of, for example butnot limited to, any transparent polymer that is extrudable, may beconnected to a housing without affecting the batwing dispersion of lightproduced, and is resistant to the heat produced by the plurality oflight sources. In some embodiments, the one-dimensional linear batwinglens 104 is made from an acrylic, a polycarbonate (i.e., plastic), orglass, or some combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the extrudable one-dimensional linear batwing lens104 is co-extrudable, that is, one portion of the lens is made from afirst material and the other portion of the lens is made from a secondmaterial. Thus, for example, the one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104may be made of both an acrylic and a polycarbonate. In such embodiments,the co-extrudable one-dimensional linear batwing lens may be comprisedof a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is comprisedof a first material and the second portion is comprised of a secondmaterial. The one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 may be dividedinto two portions by a straight plane that intersects (i.e., crosses)the entirety of the one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 in anydirection. The one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 may,alternatively, be divided into two portions by a curved surface thatintersects (i.e., crosses) the entirety of the one-dimensional linearbatwing lens 104 in any direction. Thus, in some embodiments, thedivision of the one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 may be intoequal portions (e.g., two halves, each of the same size) or into twounequal portions. In some embodiments, the one-dimensional linearbatwing lens 104 may be formed of more than two materials, and thus maybe divided into more than two portions, where each portion is made of adifferent material. Further, in some embodiments, the one-dimensionallinear batwing lens 104 may be made of two materials, but may includemore than two portions. Thus, instead of being divided by, for example,a single intersecting plane, the one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104in such embodiments may be divided by a plurality of intersectingplanes, where each plane crosses two distinct outer boundaries of theone-dimensional linear batwing lens 104. Of course, any type of dividingshape may be used. For example, if looking at the cross-section shown inFIG. 2, there may be a first plane (not shown) that intersects theone-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 in a vertical direction (i.e.,from top to bottom, or vice versa), and there may be a second plane thatintersects the one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 in a horizontaldirection (i.e., from left to right, or vice versa). This would createfour distinct portions of the one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104,and each portion may be made from a different material, or one portionmay be made of a first material and the remaining portions from a secondmaterial, or two portions may be made of a first material and theremaining portions from a second material, and so on.

In some embodiments, the one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 may bemade of a material (e.g., acrylic), but may still be divided intoportions (two or more). In such embodiments, each portion of theone-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 will be made of the material,but a first portion may include a first filter, a second portion mayinclude a second filter, and so on. As described above with regards tohow different materials may be used for the one-dimensional linearbatwing lens 104, similarly, different filters may be applied todifferent portions of the one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 in anycombination. A filter may include, but is not limited to, differentcolors, different textures, different diffusion levels, and so on.

As described above, the one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 may bedivided into different portions, for example, into two differentportions by a horizontal plane that divides the one-dimensional linearbatwing lens 104 into an upper portion 170 and a lower portion 172(shown in FIG. 2), where the upper portion 170 is located farther fromthe plurality of light sources 102 than the lower portion 172. The upperportion 170 may then be divided into a first non-planar section and asecond non-planar section, for example by a vertical plane that bisectsthe upper portion 170 (not shown). Thus, the one-dimensional linearbatwing lens 104 may be said to be bi-modal. The upper portion 170, asshown in FIG. 2, may include a dip 174 that is created by the shape ofthe outermost edge of the upper portion 170 (i.e, the edge of theone-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 that is farthest from theplurality of light sources 102 and may be touched by a person holdingthe retrofit-style lamp 100). The dip 174 may be characterized by anangle. For example, the angle of the dip 174 may be between 0° and 180°not inclusive of the end points. In some embodiments, the firstnon-planar section and the second non-planar section may be similarlyshaped, as is shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the first non-planarsection and the second non-planar section are of different shapes (notshown). For example, the first non-planar section may have a top surfacethat is shaped like a parabola, and the second non-planar section mayhave a top surface that is shaped like a half-circle, so long as theshape produces the desired batwing-like dispersion. Thus, the upperportion 170 may, at its outermost edge, have any shape that produces thedesired batwing-like dispersion. The lower portion 172 may similarly beof any non-linear shape that results in two cylindrical arcs that arenot tangent at the joint (i.e., not a continuous cylindrical arc). Theoutermost edge of the lower portion 172 (i.e., the edge closest to theplurality of light sources 102) may thus be of any non-linear shape, aslong as it corresponds to the shapes of the upper portion 170 of thelens, because the upper portion 170 and the lower portion 172 worktogether to produce the desired batwing dispersion. Of course, changingthe shape of the one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 may result inchanges to the width and/or the thickness of the one-dimensional linearbatwing lens 104.

In an example embodiment, the one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104measures 1.386 inches at its widest point (i.e., in a horizontaldirection), and measures 0.536 inches at its tallest point (i.e., in avertical direction), 0.358 inches without including the height of thepost 222 ₃ or 222 ₄. The radius of curvature at the dip 174 is R.047,while the radius of curvature at a first curved edge 280 and a secondcurved edge 282 of the upper portion 170 is R.656, as well as the radiusof curvature at a side edge 284. In embodiments where the upper portion170 is equal on both sides of the dip 174, the same radii of curvatureare found on both sides of the upper portion 170. The space between theupper portion 170 at the dip 174 and the center 208 of the bottom edge290 of the one-dimensional linear batwing lens 104 is 0.100 inches. Theradius of curvature of the bottom edge 290 on either side of the center208 is R.698. In embodiments where the one dimensional linear batwinglens 104 includes posts 222 to connect to the housing 106, the distancebetween a side edge 292 of the post 222 ₃ and a side edge 294 of thepost 222 ₄ is 1.310 inches plus or minus 0.020 inches.

In some embodiments, the retrofit-style lamp 100 may include only asingle endcap and a single electrical connector at one end, with theother end including only a closure that seals off the interior of theretrofit-style lamp 100. Further, in some embodiments, a number oflens-housing combinations, each including a distinct plurality of lightsources and a distinct one-dimensional linear batwing lens, may beplaced side-by-side, or otherwise combined together, and then joined tothe same endcap/pair of endcaps, and/or the same electricalconnector/pair of electrical connectors, to form a retrofit-style lamp.Thus, in some embodiments, the retrofit-style lamp may have a generallylinear shape, as the retrofit-style lamp 100 shown in FIG. 1, while inother embodiments, the retrofit-style lamp may have a non-linear shape(for example, but not limited to, an “X” shape, a “+” shape, an “*”shape, a “” shape, and so on). In such embodiments, each distinctarm/leg/side of the shape includes at least one one-dimensional linearbatwing lens, such that if the arm/leg/side were separated from the restand provided power, a batwing dispersion would be produced by at leasttwo source of light associated with the lens.

In some embodiments, instead of being configured as a lamp, such as theretrofit-style lamp 100 shown in FIG. 1, the pair of electricalconnectors 112 and 114 and the endcaps 108 and 110 may be removed fromthe retrofit-style lamp 100 to create a fixture 400, a portion of whichis shown in FIG. 4. The fixture 400 thus includes a plurality of lightsources 402 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 4), a one-dimensionallinear batwing lens 404, a housing 406, and a power supply (not shown).The power supply is connectable to the housing 406, and provides powerto the fixture 400, and more specifically, to the plurality of lightsources 402. The plurality of light sources 402 is located in a regiondefined, at least in part, by the housing 406, and the plurality oflight sources 402 receive power from the power supply. Theone-dimensional linear batwing lens 404 is coupled to the housing 406,and beam shapes light emitted by at least two light sources of theplurality of light sources 402. The plurality of light sources 402, theone-dimensional linear batwing lens 404, and the housing 406 each sharethe same properties and/or configurations (and/or potential propertiesand/or configurations) as those of the corresponding components (i.e.,the plurality of light sources 102, the one-dimensional linear batwinglens 104, and the housing 106) for the retrofit-style lamp 100 shown inFIG. 1. The one-dimensional linear batwing lens 404 of the fixture 400provides a substantially uniform distribution of light within a spacedefined in part by an enclosed storage structure (not shown), such asbut not limited to a refrigeration case, by beam shaping light emittedby the plurality of light sources 402. Though the portion of the fixture400 shown in FIG. 4 is open, such that it is possible to see inside thefixture 400, the fixture 400 is fitted with housing closures (not shownin FIG. 4) that seal the interior of the fixture 400. Of course, suchhousing closures allow for power to be provided from the power supply tothe plurality of light sources 402 located in the interior of thefixture 400, for example through the use of one or more wires, or anyother suitable electrical transmitters.

Unless otherwise stated, use of the words “substantial” and“substantially” may be construed to include a precise relationship,condition, arrangement, orientation, and/or other characteristic, anddeviations thereof as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, tothe extent that such deviations do not materially affect the disclosedmethods and systems.

Throughout the entirety of the present disclosure, use of the articles“a” or “an” to modify a noun may be understood to be used forconvenience and to include one, or more than one, of the modified noun,unless otherwise specifically stated.

Elements, components, modules, and/or parts thereof that are describedand/or otherwise portrayed through the figures to communicate with, beassociated with, and/or be based on, something else, may be understoodto so communicate, be associated with, and or be based on in a directand/or indirect manner, unless otherwise stipulated herein.

Although the methods and systems have been described relative to aspecific embodiment thereof, they are not so limited. Obviously manymodifications and variations may become apparent in light of the aboveteachings. Many additional changes in the details, materials, andarrangement of parts, herein described and illustrated, may be made bythose skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A retrofit-style lamp comprising: a plurality oflight emitting diodes; and a one-dimensional linear batwing lens,wherein the one-dimensional linear batwing lens beam shapes lightemitted by at least two light emitting diodes of the plurality of lightemitting diodes, wherein the one-dimensional linear batwing lens extendsin one direction in a linear direction; and wherein the plurality oflight emitting diodes are located in a region beneath a central portionextending in the linear direction of the one-dimensional linear batwinglens to produce, through beam shaping, a substantially batwing and/orbatwing-type light distribution from the plurality of light emittingdiodes.
 2. The retrofit-style lamp of claim 1, wherein theone-dimensional linear batwing lens is extrudable.
 3. The retrofit-stylelamp of claim 2, wherein the extrudable one-dimensional linear batwinglens is co-extrudable; wherein preferably the co-extrudableone-dimensional linear batwing lens is comprised of a first portion anda second portion, wherein the first portion is comprised of a firstmaterial, and wherein the second portion is comprised of a secondmaterial.
 4. The retrofit-style lamp of claim 2, wherein the extrudableone-dimensional linear batwing lens is co-extrudable; wherein preferablythe co-extrudable one-dimensional linear batwing lens is comprised of afirst portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion and thesecond portion are comprised of a material, and wherein the firstportion includes a first filter and the second portion includes a secondfilter.
 5. The retrofit-style lamp of claim 1, wherein theone-dimensional linear batwing lens is scalable in relation to a numberof light emitting diodes comprising the plurality of light emittingdiodes.
 6. The retrofit-style lamp of claim 1, wherein theone-dimensional linear batwing lens includes an upper portion and alower portion, wherein the upper portion is located farther from theplurality of light emitting diodes than the lower portion, and whereinthe upper portion is divided into a first non-planar section and asecond non-planar section, and wherein the first non-planar section andthe second non-planar section are similarly shaped.
 7. Theretrofit-style lamp of claim 1, wherein the one-dimensional linearbatwing lens includes an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein theupper portion is located farther from the plurality of light emittingdiodes than the lower portion, and wherein the upper portion is dividedinto a first non-planar section and a second non-planar section, andwherein the first non-planar section and the second non-planar sectionare of different shapes.
 8. The retrofit-style lamp of claim 1, whereinthe one-dimensional linear batwing lens includes an upper portion and alower portion, wherein the upper portion is located farther from theplurality of light emitting diodes than the lower portion, and whereinthe upper portion includes a dip, wherein the dip is characterized by anangle.
 9. The retrofit-style lamp of claim 1, further comprising: ahousing, wherein the plurality of light emitting diodes is arrangedwithin a space defined in part by the housing.
 10. The retrofit-stylelamp of claim 9, wherein the one-dimensional linear batwing lens iscoupled to the housing.
 11. The retrofit-style lamp of claim 10, furthercomprising: a pair of electrical connectors, wherein a first of the pairof electrical connectors is attached to a first end of the housing, andwherein a second of the pair of electrical connectors is attached to asecond end of the housing.
 12. The retrofit-style lamp of claim 11,wherein the one-dimensional linear batwing lens is coupled to thehousing, forming a lens-housing combination, and wherein the pair ofelectrical connectors is attached to the lens-housing combination. 13.The retrofit-style lamp of claim 12, further comprising: an endcap,wherein the endcap is connectable between one of the pair of electricalconnectors and the lens-housing combination.
 14. An enclosed storagestructure lighting fixture, comprising: a housing; a power supply,wherein the power supply is connectable to the housing; and aretrofit-style lamp comprising: a plurality of light emitting diodes;and a one-dimensional linear batwing lens, wherein the one-dimensionallinear batwing lens beam shapes light emitted by at least two lightemitting diodes of the plurality of light emitting diodes, wherein theone-dimensional linear batwing lens extends in one direction in a lineardirection; and wherein the plurality of light emitting diodes arelocated in a region beneath a central portion extending in the lineardirection of the one-dimensional linear batwing lens to produce, throughbeam shaping, a substantially batwing and/or batwing-type lightdistribution from the plurality of light emitting diodes.
 15. Theenclosed storage structure lighting fixture of claim 14, wherein theone-dimensional linear batwing lens is co-extrudable, and whereinpreferably the co-extrudable one-dimensional linear batwing lens iscomprised of a first portion and a second portion, wherein the firstportion is comprised of a first material, and wherein the second portionis comprised of a second material.
 16. The enclosed storage structurelighting fixture of claim 14, wherein the one-dimensional linear batwinglens is scalable in relation to a number of light emitting diodescomprising the plurality of light emitting diodes.
 17. The enclosedstorage structure lighting fixture of claim 14, wherein theone-dimensional linear batwing lens includes an upper portion and alower portion, wherein the upper portion is located farther from theplurality of light emitting diodes than the lower portion, and whereinthe upper portion is divided into a first non-planar section and asecond non-planar section, and wherein the first non-planar section andthe second non-planar section are similarly shaped.
 18. The enclosedstorage structure lighting fixture of claim 14, wherein theone-dimensional linear batwing lens includes an upper portion and alower portion, wherein the upper portion is located farther from theplurality of light emitting diodes than the lower portion, and whereinthe upper portion is divided into a first non-planar section and asecond non-planar section, and wherein the first non-planar section andthe second non-planar section are of different shapes.
 19. The enclosedstorage structure lighting fixture of claim 14, wherein theone-dimensional linear batwing lens includes an upper portion and alower portion, wherein the upper portion is located farther from theplurality of light emitting diodes than the lower portion, and whereinthe upper portion includes a dip, wherein the dip is characterized by anangle.
 20. The enclosed storage structure lighting fixture of claim 14,wherein the one-dimensional linear batwing lens provides a substantiallyuniform distribution of light within a space defined in part by anenclosed storage structure, by beam shaping light emitted by theplurality of light emitting diodes.